Opossum(Didelphis marsupialis)

Feb. 28, 2013

Missouri Department of Conservation

Written by

Missouri Department of Conservation

Claim to fame: To most Ozarkers, opossums are known for their less-than appealing sneer, a lumbering gait and a frequency for getting hit by automobiles. Opossums are classified as a game animal in Missouri and are included in the state’s fur-bearer season, Nov. 15-Jan. 31. The fur is used chiefly to trim inexpensive cloth coats, although choice skins may be made into whole coats. Opossums have the lesser-known distinction of being one of the world’s oldest mammals. They date back more than 70 million years to the Upper Cretaceous period, when dinosaurs walked the earth.

Species status: Opossums are found throughout Missouri.

Discovered: Opossums were known to Native Americans and to early pioneers. The creature’s name comes from the Algonquin Indian word “apasum,” which means white animal.

Family matters: Opossums belong to the mammal family Didelphidae. There are more than 60 species of opossums in the new world, but Didelphis marsupialis is the only one that lives in the United States. The opossum is also North America’s only marsupial.

Length and weight: 24 to 34 inches; 4 to 15 pounds

Diet: Opossums eat a wide variety of food, but they prefer animal matter. Insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, beetles and ants are among the most common food items. Eggs, snails, crayfish, fruits and grains also are often eaten if available.

Distinguishing characteristics: An opossum’s fur is predominantly grayish white, with the front and hind quarters darker than the belly. Easily recognizable is the animal’s virtually hairless long prehensile tail. A common method of defense, “playing ’possum,” is one of the animal’s claims to fame. While an opossum feigns death, its heartbeat also slows down.

Life span: In the wild, most opossums don’t live longer than two years.

Habitat: Opossums prefer wooded areas, ideally sites that are near streams. Timbered areas near ponds, lakes and swamps also provide habitat. Opossums are becoming common in urban and suburban areas, which is a credit to their adaptability skills.

Life cycle: In Missouri, opossums begin breeding in early February. An opossum’s pregnancy lasts 13 days. Many opossums mate a second time, usually in May. The average number in a litter is nine. The young stay with their mother about 100 days.